Does Kratos Die in God of War 2018?
The 2018 God of War game, developed by Santa Monica Studio, has been a massive hit, received widespread critical acclaim, and has topped many "Game of the Year" lists. One of the most debated questions about the game is whether Kratos, the main protagonist, dies or not. In this article, we’ll dive into the storyline and provide a direct answer to the question.
Spoiler Alert
This article contains major spoilers for the 2018 God of War game. If you haven’t played the game and want to remain spoiler-free, please skip to the FAQs section at the end of the article.
The Story of God of War 2018
The game takes place years after the events of God of War III, where Kratos is living in the wilderness of Midgard with his new family, including his wife Faye and son Atreus. Kratos is no longer the same brutal and rage-filled warrior he was in the previous games. He’s now a more introspective and nuanced character, struggling to come to terms with his past and find a new sense of purpose.
The Quest and the Battle with Baldur
The game’s story follows Kratos and Atreus as they embark on a journey to spread Faye’s ashes from the highest peak in the realms. However, their quest is disrupted when they encounter Baldur, a god and the son of Odin, who has been cursed with immortality and invulnerability. Kratos and Atreus must defeat Baldur to continue their journey, which leads to a series of challenging battles and encounters with other Norse gods.
The Climax: Kratos vs. World Serpent
As the journey progresses, Kratos and Atreus face off against a powerful World Serpent named Jörmungandr. In the heat of battle, the World Serpent wraps around Kratos, and Mimir, Kratos’ Norse ally, is beheaded. However, Kratos manages to defeat the World Serpent and shatter its hold on him.
Does Kratos Die?
After the battle, Kratos and Atreus continue on their journey, but they soon discover that Kratos has been mortally wounded. As they reach the peak, Kratos finds Faye’s ashes, and in a moment of poignant reflection, he realizes that he can’t die, as he has grown to love his son and wants to be there for him.
What Happens to Kratos’ Corpse?
In the ending cinematic, Kratos’ mortal body is shown lying on the mountain peak, surrounded by his family’s ashes. However, it is evident that Kratos’ spirit remains, as he is able to communicate with Atreus and guide him through the afterlife.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Kratos’ mortal body does die in the game, his spirit lives on, and he is able to transcend his physical form. This concept is in line with Norse mythology, where the gods and goddesses are believed to have a spiritual component that survives even after death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Kratos actually die in the game?
A: No, Kratos’ spirit remains, and he is able to communicate with Atreus.
Q: What happens to Kratos’ body after he dies?
A: His mortal body lies on the mountain peak, surrounded by his family’s ashes.
Q: Is Kratos’ death a permanent one?
A: No, his spirit lives on, and he is able to continue guiding Atreus through the afterlife.
Q: Is this similar to the ending of the previous God of War games?
A: No, the ending of God of War 2018 is more focused on character development and emotional closure, rather than traditional video game storytelling.
Q: Does Kratos’ death have any impact on the game’s story?
A: Yes, Kratos’ death serves as a catalyst for Atreus to come to terms with his own destiny and the consequences of his actions.
Q: Can Kratos be resurrected in future games?
A: The game’s ending leaves open the possibility for Kratos to return in future games, perhaps in a different form or reincarnation.
Q: Is Kratos’ death a sad or mournful moment in the game?
A: While Kratos’ death is an emotional moment, it is also a poignant and introspective scene that highlights the character’s growth and the bond between Kratos and Atreus.
Q: Are there any hints or foreshadowing of Kratos’ mortality throughout the game?
A: Yes, there are subtle hints and foreshadowing throughout the game, particularly in Kratos’ interactions with the gods and his own introspective moments.
Table: Comparison of Kratos’ Mortality in God of War 2018 and Previous Games
| Game | Kratos’ Mortality |
|---|---|
| God of War (2005) | Alive |
| God of War II (2007) | Alive |
| God of War III (2010) | Alive, but severely injured |
| God of War (2018) | Dies, but spirit remains |
By examining the storyline and themes of God of War 2018, it becomes clear that Kratos’ death is not the end of his journey. Instead, it serves as a catalyst for Atreus to continue his own journey and for Kratos to transcend his physical form. While Kratos may not be present in the same way, his spirit remains a powerful force in the game, guiding Atreus and setting the stage for future adventures.